Job search update - STRESSED!

Today I received my first "Thanks but no thanks" from a school. Last time I did a job search it was normal to receive a rejection every once in awhile - not every school will think that I am the right candidate for them just like I don't think every school is right for me. Today was just a big deal because it was my first and it was from a school that was towards the top of my preference list.

I applied for 17 positions. I have not heard from but a handful of schools interested in setting up interviews at the job conference which is in just THREE weeks! So I am stressed - what if I don't find a job? What if no one wants me? What if I have to move back to 29 Palms and find a new career? Yeah, my stress level is up to my eyes - you know, the level where you start to cry for no real good reason :(

The Island of Stupidity

This afternoon I went to Starbucks to drink some green tea while I studied for my ECON test that is on Thursday. It was a productive afternoon because I was able to finish a chapter and a half and feel pretty confident about the exam. Could I possibly get an A in ECON this semester? I had to take three ECON classes for my undergrad and received an A- and two Cs. An A this time would be superb.

The local Starbucks had four comfy chairs and several tables for studying. When I arrived, the chairs were taken by two men reading books and two women just hanging out. About an hour into my study session, one of the men leaves and on the way out says goodbye to the two women. The women ask him if he finished his book. He says he is taking the book in small doses and finds it interesting if he reads it with an open mind. This comment perks my attention - what could he be reading? A social commentary, a comedian politcal examination...no, "The DaVinci Code".

Their conversation that follows had me fighting to keep my mouth shut and not laugh out loud! The man talked about how there was some compelling facts in the book that might make him believe it really is true. He has the DVC version with the pictures so when the book talked about The Last Supper he could see that Mary Magadelene really was in the picture. One of the women asked if The Last Supper was a real painting of Jesus and did someone really paint it?! Then she asked is Leonardo DaVinci was real and oh, wasn't he the guy that painted the Sistene Chapel?! They all three agreed that he was. Then she said "I am an idiot". Finally, something I could agree with! The man asked them how big they thought the Mona LIsa was. He let them know that it was 21 inches - just like the size of my book. His book was about 12 inches - men are always exaggerating on the size of things ;)! Their conversation lasted about 15 painful minutes and concluded with an agreement between the three of them that DVC was just one man's opinion!

DVC is a work of fiction! What makes it a good work of fiction is that it weaves in actual history and true facts with a story. For conspiracy theorists, it is exciting to read and ponder that possibility of a worldwide conspiracy to cover the truth. I believe there are several powerful entities in the world that could have the ability to influence the world's thinking, but I don't spend any time thinking DVC is real anymore than I think Harry Potter's secret world of magic really exists (though it would be cool if I was a muggle).

Christmas is over?

So the other day one of my coworkers asked me how I fit everything in - class, work, extra activities for work, me time. I laughed. I am a mess - barely hanging on to sanity. You laugh? Well, here is the proof - yesterday, five days after Valentine's Day, I finally was able to make time to put away all my Christmas decorations.

On Grey's Anatomy (which I watched as I dismantled my tabletop Christmas tree), the hot black doctor told the neurotic asian doctor, "I am nearly perfect. You are a mess but I love you anyways. Why won't you let me love you?"

That is what I am holding out for - someone to bring order to my chaos.

Today is NOT single awareness day!

All month, I have argued with single people that Valentine's Day is not Single Awareness Day anymore than St. Patrick's Day is not Non-Irish Awareness Day. I like Valentine's Day - a chance to reflect on the power of love and tell those around you that you love/like/appreciate them. Yes, I agree that for a single person it can be sad if you do not have plans and no one you call that "special someone". But I am single and I find ways to celebrate today. Some say everyone is Irish on March 17th so why can't everyone be in love on February 14th? Love yourself - go get a massage, love your friends - have dinner with your single friends, love your family - give your mom a call.

Hallmark did not ruin this day - you do not even have to buy a card today to show someone you appreciate them. We don't blame Hallmark for ruining birthdays and you didn't even do the hard work on your special day - your mom did. You forgot the pain but ask any mother and she'll tell you about the 12 hours she was in labor, the drugs, the ripping, the blood - graphic enough? Maybe we should buy our mothers presents on the day we were born!

If this is the only day your significant other tells you that you are loved, you are not in a healthy relationship. Don't blame Valentine's Day! Oh and by the way, I love you for reading my rants and ravings. Have a LOVEly day!

A good day!

Today I slept in till 1130, sent out four resume packets, and bowled my highest game ever - a 153!

I advise a student government organization called SHA. The SHA President has made it a point that the executive board should regularly have events were they get togehter and hang out. Today we went bowling. I am an average bowler with scores usually between 85 - 120. The first three games weren't anything extraordinary. In game four I got a turkey - my first ever!- which lead to my high score game.

At the end of the day, I went to Target and got some strawberry creme heart shaped Peeps - yummy. Today was a good day!

Hungry Homeless People

Today I took a three USI students to Indianapolis to help an organization with food prep - sandwiches, soup and such - that they give to the homeless in downtown Indy. A professor at USI and my mom both wondered why we wouldn't feed the homeless in Evansville. I argued that a hungry homeless person was a hungry homeless person regardless of the city they were in and that the problem is larger in Indy. Then today as I am driving to Indy, I see two homeless people in Evansville. Oh boy - the guilt!

The students really enjoyed the day - one of them had never done any volunteer work before. I think that they felt good that they had actually made a difference. I am proud of them. In two weeks, a group of students are going to help at the Indiana State Museum Art Show. Matt is going as the advisor but I want to go too even though I am the one that told him he had to go so I could stay home. When will I learn that I do not need to be involved in everything?! Plus they are going on my only day off this month - please send me your good thoughts that I will be strong and maybe sleep in or catch up on homework or clean my apartment or tackle the list of things that need to be done instead of going on this trip!

Baby steps

When overwhelmed with all that must be done, I am a crazy list maker! I can cross one off the list because I finished the resume today - three pages long (Don't worry all my business friends - this is completely acceptable in this field). I have narrowed the 250 plus position listings to 83 potentials that as of February 3rd are offering positions that I am :

1. Qualified for
2. Interested in having

Now I must minimize the list and start sending out the resume. Keep your fingers crossed and I will keep you updated because I know I will be posting a lot. I find blogging to be a good outlet when potential stress runs high.

And so it begins...

Today is the beginning of the "endless nonstop wish I had a day off" spring semester rush. This afternoon I am leaving to go to Rose Hulman to take a group of students to a leadership conference for the weekend. Once I return it is RHC programs, SHA events, Eagle Road Crew field trips, Admissions socials and teaching the university's alcohol class. Nonstop work with one day off (Sunday, Feb 26th) until I leave for my job search conference on St. Patty's Day.

Don't ask me how I am going to squeeze in the required reading for my two classes and all the job search stuff that needs to be done.